By Aaron Portzline, Arpon Basu and Lauren Merola
On Monday, the Columbus Blue Jackets announced the trade of forward Patrik Laine and a second-round pick in 2026 to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris.
“We are looking for players who want to be part of the Blue Jackets, and Patrik expressed that he felt a change in scenery would benefit him,” said general manager Don Waddell. “This trade allowed us to bring in a promising young talent in Jordan Harris while keeping our financial flexibility intact, which was crucial for us. We wish Patrik all the best moving forward.”
Waddell had consistently expressed his desire to trade the left winger while not retaining any salary. With just a month remaining before training camp starts, Waddell executed one of the most significant trades of his impactful first summer in Columbus.
Importantly, the Blue Jackets opted not to retain any of Laine’s salary, which stands at $8.7 million and runs through the 2025-26 season.
As reported by PuckPedia, the Blue Jackets now possess over $18 million in salary cap space, offering them numerous options for the upcoming seasons.
The Canadiens have traded defenseman Jordan Harris to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for forward Patrik Laine and a second-round pick in 2026
News release ↓ #GoHabsGo
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) August 19, 2024
In late January, Laine entered the NHL/NHLPA players’ assistance program for self-identified mental health issues. He was cleared to return to the ice in late July, which subsequently intensified trade discussions for the Blue Jackets.
During his three-plus seasons in Columbus, Laine registered 64 goals and 80 assists, including only nine points in 18 games last season. Selected second overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2016 NHL Draft, the 26-year-old winger has accumulated 204 goals and 184 assists across 480 games in the NHL.
Jordan Harris, aged 24, made his NHL debut at the end of the 2021-22 season after being drafted by the Canadiens in 2018. After completing a four-year tenure at Northeastern University, Harris joined the Canadiens and, in 131 career NHL games, he has scored eight goals and provided 24 assists, along with 86 blocked shots and 43 shots on goal.
How Laine’s Two-Year Contract Aligns with Montreal’s Goals
This summer, the Canadiens sought offensive reinforcements with a short-term scope, and Laine fits that requirement perfectly. With two years remaining on his contract carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $8.7 million, the Canadiens are absorbing the entire salary while receiving a second-round pick for taking on that financial commitment. While this is a considerable expenditure for a player with perceived issues, the two-year term aligns seamlessly with the Canadiens’ objectives. — Arpon Basu, Canadiens beat writer
Is Laine the Missing Piece in Montreal’s Top Six?
Laine addresses a need for the Canadiens as a scorer who may help complete their top six alongside Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovský, Kirby Dach, and Alex Newhook. His presence also enables the Canadiens to establish a genuine second power-play unit after heavily relying on one for most of last season. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 215 pounds, Laine brings a combination of size and skill reminiscent of Dach’s addition from the Chicago Blackhawks.
If Laine has gained traction following his time in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, this could yield a beneficial outcome for both parties: Laine could restore what had been a promising NHL career, while providing the Canadiens with the short-term offensive support they sought throughout the summer, leveraging their defensive depth and acquiring a valuable draft pick in the process. — Basu
GO DEEPER
With Patrik Laine cleared, Blue Jackets trade talks set to heat up
Who Will Step in for Laine in Columbus?
The Blue Jackets have a range of options for their first and second-line wings, particularly if captain Boone Jenner transitions back to the wing after spending five seasons as a center.
With players like Johnny Gaudreau, Kirill Marchenko, Yegor Chinakhov, Kent Johnson, Dmitry Voronkov, and Jenner on the roster, new head coach Dean Evason will have no shortage of choices when completing the lineup.
The precise role for Harris, however, remains uncertain. — Aaron Portzline, Blue Jackets beat writer
Montreal’s Overhaul of Hockey Operations
Laine is the latest reclamation project brought in by Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes since they took command of the Canadiens’ hockey operations almost three years ago, joining other first-round selections like Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, and Sean Monahan, who was acquired under similar circumstances on August 18, 2022.
The Canadiens’ experience with Monahan offers a hopeful scenario for Laine in Montreal. The team obtained a first-round pick from the Calgary Flames in exchange for Monahan’s contract, allowing the veteran to rehabilitate his value within the NHL. Eventually, Monahan’s resurgence led to him being traded back to the Winnipeg Jets for another first-round selection before the trade deadline in February. On July 1, Monahan signed a five-year deal worth $5.5 million annually with… the Blue Jackets. — Basu
Required Reading
(Photo: Christopher Mast / NHLI via Getty Images)
“`html
Columbus Blue Jackets Trade Patrik Laine to Montreal Canadiens for Jordan Harris and Future Pick
Overview of the Trade
In a significant move that has sent ripples through the NHL, the Columbus Blue Jackets have traded star forward Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens. In exchange, the Blue Jackets received promising defenseman Jordan Harris along with a future draft pick. This trade not only reshapes the rosters of both teams but also sets the stage for possible future developments.
Details of the Trade
- Player Traded: Patrik Laine
- Receiving Team: Montreal Canadiens
- Players Received: Jordan Harris
- Additional Assets: Future Draft Pick
- Date of Trade: October 2023
Analysis of Patrik Laine’s Performance
Patrik Laine, a former third overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, has had an illustrious career marked by exceptional goal-scoring ability. Known for his powerful shot and offensive skills, Laine has been a key player for the Blue Jackets. Here are some highlights from his performance:
| Season | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 46 | 10 | 15 | 25 |
| 2021-2022 | 56 | 26 | 30 | 56 |
| 2022-2023 | 60 | 20 | 25 | 45 |
Impact on Columbus Blue Jackets
The trade of Laine marks a new chapter for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are looking to rebuild and strengthen their roster. Here are some potential impacts:
- Focus on Youth: Acquiring Jordan Harris, a young and versatile defenseman, signals a shift towards developing young talent.
- Future Assets: The future draft pick could provide the Blue Jackets with more opportunities to enhance their roster through the draft.
- Salary Cap Flexibility: Moving Laine’s contract could give the Blue Jackets more room to maneuver in free agency.
Jordan Harris: A Rising Star
Jordan Harris is a highly regarded prospect who has shown promise in his early career. Here’s why he’s a valuable addition to the Blue Jackets:
- Defensive Skills: Harris is known for his strong two-way game, making him a reliable defenseman.
- Potential for Growth: At just 23 years old, Harris has ample room for development and could become a cornerstone of Columbus’ defense.
- Competitive Edge: His collegiate experience at Northeastern University has prepared him for the challenges of the NHL.
Why Montreal Canadiens Pursued Laine
The Montreal Canadiens’ pursuit of Patrik Laine is a strategic move aimed at bolstering their offensive lineup. Here’s what Laine brings to the Canadiens:
- Proven Goal Scorer: Laine has consistently been among the top goal scorers in the league, providing an immediate offensive boost.
- Power Play Threat: His ability to score from the wing makes him a valuable asset for the power play.
- Marketability: Laine’s star power can attract fans and enhance the team’s visibility in the market.
Benefits and Practical Tips for Fans
For fans following this trade, understanding the implications is key. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind:
- Stay Informed: Follow reliable sports news outlets and team announcements to get the latest updates.
- Engage with Community: Join online forums or social media groups to discuss the trade and its impact with fellow fans.
- Watch Upcoming Games: Pay attention to how both Laine and Harris perform in their new roles post-trade.
First-Hand Experience from Fans
Fans of both the Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal Canadiens have expressed a range of emotions regarding this trade. Here are some shared sentiments:
- Blue Jackets Fans: Many fans feel a sense of loss with Laine’s departure but remain optimistic about the team’s future with young talent like Harris.
- Canadiens Fans: Excitement is palpable among Canadiens fans as they anticipate Laine’s impact on the team’s offensive strategy.
Case Study: How Similar Trades Have Shaped NHL Teams
Historically, trades similar to this one have had significant impacts on teams in the NHL. Here are a few notable examples:
- Washington Capitals – Alex Ovechkin: The Capitals drafted Ovechkin, who became a franchise cornerstone after a crucial trade that brought key players.
- Chicago Blackhawks - Patrick Kane: Kane’s arrival drastically changed the Blackhawks’ fortunes, leading them to multiple championships.
Conclusion
This trade of Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens for Jordan Harris and a future pick is a pivotal moment for both franchises. As the season unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how this trade influences the future trajectories of both teams and their respective journeys in the NHL.
“`
